Erik Johnson doubtful to play Friday against Carolina

Patrick Roy said Erik Johnson could be a game-time decision to play Friday against Carolina at the Pepsi Center, but that he is “doubtful.” Johnson didn’t practice today because of a bruised foot. Roy said x-rays and an MRI on Johnson were negative.

Tyson Barrie will play if Johnson can’t (hang in there Nick Holden, your chance will come).

Barrie skated alongside Jan Hejda at practice. Speaking of Hejda, Roy had a lot of praise for him today. He said he had a talk with Hejda before the season about getting “out of his comfort zone.” He also said he implemented a change in the way Hejda plays defense, positionally.

Roy said Hejda played too close to the net before, and that created too big a gap between him and teammate forwards, a vacuum that too often was filled by opposing shooters and good scoring chances.

Now, Hejda is playing higher up in the zone, and Roy believes it has contributed to better play.